Hoarding

Hoarding is considered a mental health disorder, often classified as a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Here are a few signs to know. 

Individuals feel a strong urge to acquire and keep items, leading to excessive accumulation, even of worthless things. Hoarding causes significant distress and impairs functioning in daily life, affecting work and relationships. People may believe they will need certain items in the future or that discarding them means losing part of themselves.  There’s often intense anxiety about losing possessions, causing individuals to avoid situations that force them to confront their hoarding. Hoarding can lead to withdrawal from social interactions due to shame, increasing feelings of loneliness and depression. Many struggle to make decisions about possessions, complicating decluttering efforts.  Hoarding frequently coexists with other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. Understanding hoarding as a psychological disorder is crucial for providing appropriate support and treatment.